America, America!

I have always been a proud American and love celebrating the greatness of this country I am blessed enough to live in. I am especially proud around this time of year, obviously, and love when the Olympics come as well (23 days and counting). One of the things I love the most is seeing an American on the medal podium with their hand on their heart singing the national anthem. Seriously gives me chills every time.

 Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower said,

"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." 

I tend to be one who gets quite emotional and passionate about certain things pertaining to politics, including the recent ruling by the Supreme Court. I won't go into all that but wanted to share that while stewing over things a thought came to my mind. This is a choice land, blessed above all others. This scripture came to my mind in the Book of Mormon (of course I had to look it up to find the exact wording):

"Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promised, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever." (2 Nephi 1:9) 

In short, keep the commandments and God will continue to Bless America. Our daily actions determine our freedoms. I hope that my boys grow up with the same patriotism I was raised to have and enjoy this blessed land of America, land that I love!

Baking Soda

I was reading a baby magazine recently and came across this little sidebar that talked about some different uses for baking soda. So this is just a "good to know" and for my future reference of some of these ideas. 

* Sprinkle a few spoonfuls into baby's bath water the help relieve diaper rash. (I have also heard this is good if a child has chicken pox.)

* Mix baking soda and baby oil into a paste and gently rub into baby's scalp to wash away flaky skin from cradle cap.

* Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water to clean toys, rinse and dry.

* I also made a paste with water and baking soda to clean a bag that smelled awful. I rubbed the paste in and let it sit for a least a day to try to get the smell out - it worked.

Square Foot Garden

There is something quite satisfying and making something out of nothing. There is also something satisfying in working outside to make things beautiful. That is where I would put gardening and I think I have that love of plants and the outdoors because of my Dad. Growing up we would work outside from mowing the lawn to weeding the garden. I remember one time when I was quite young, my little brother and I had the job of taking all the rocks out of our garden. It wasn't pleasant but I do remember eating the fresh fruits and vegetables that came from our garden every year and loved that. 

Since the Smart One and I have been married we have tried to do some sort of garden each year. Some years have worked and some have failed miserably. The first summer we were married we planted zucchini where some bushes had died in front of our apartment, that was awesome.We were able to move our fence this spring and get about 5-6 more feet in our yard, perfect for a square foot garden. I read this book and tried to do many of the things the author suggested. I checked it out from the library but I think it will soon be part of our library. The Smart One did a lot of work to build the box and work with my vision. It was more work than we anticipated which means the next time we need a box he might just buy a kit. ;) Here is the result:

I planted pumpkins, straight neck summer squash, tomatoes, red and green peppers, eggplant, strawberries, marigolds, corn, cucumbers, and lavender. Several of these I started earlier in little planters and planted everything this morning. I got a lot of help from the Silly One in planting and digging holes. The Small One helped by taking a good nap. So this turned into a family garden in which everyone did something to help. Hopefully we'll have a plentiful garden picture to post later this summer. 

Dare to Stand Alone

Right is right no matter who is or isn't looking. I love this!

Count Your Blessings

Today I had a very real moment where I was able to reflect and realize how blessed I truly am. I think everyone has those moments where you get a little down or think "My life would be better if . . ." I honestly come home tonight and wanted cry because of how wonderfully blessed I am. My boys were already in bed and asleep. I went upstairs to check on them and kiss them "good night." I would have picked them up and hugged or rocked them. There are so many people struggling with a variety of problems and issues and as much as I wish I could change or take problems from people to help them I can't. But I am grateful for what I have. 

Our picnic at the gardens last week. 

I have a husband who loves me and my children. I have been blessed to be a mother and trusted with these two wonderful boys who make me smile and laugh everyday. We try to create a stable happy home for our family and times when I think it is far from perfect today I was grateful for where we are. I know, nothing earth shattering or new mind blowing. It is simple and that is my life. 

"Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has done."  

What will you find, what has God done in your life?

Your Children Want YOU

I have seen several people post this article on facebook or blogs and I finally took a minute to read it today. I would recommend reading it if you have a minute, it isn't very long. As I sat down to read this I had my 3 year old screaming in his bedroom because he crumpled up his bread that was part of his meat and cheese sandwich. He wanted more meat and cheese but not the bread. So when the bread went to the floor he went to bed for a nap. (I know I'm a mean mom.) I read the article and thought I have so been there before countless times. It is hard being a mom but it is also a wonderful blessing. I feel the same as this woman, if I could choose any mother in the world to be my mom it would be my mom. All I can do is be that same type of mother that is just right for my kids. I don't have any great insights or thoughts to make things better or I would be doing them. But at the end this women posed a question and a challenge, it is something I am going to try to do. I am who I am, I am enough.

QUESTION: How do you keep the right perspective on your importance to your family - in the midst of so many ideas and temptations to compare yourself with others?

CHALLENGE: Recognize any tendencies you might have to get wrapped up in discouragement, and set up a regular way to remind yourself that your children want you.

I love my little guys and am grateful to be their Mommy.

What to buy when

I love saving money, it actually is a bit of a hobby. I am a couponer and I search out deals. I am not crazy about coupons like some people but I definitely use them on stuff my family uses or needs. So when I read an article in Parents magazine called "A Year's Worth of Deals" last week it was right up my alley. Some of the items were no-brainers but I thought it was a great overview and something to remember for the future. I considered tearing the page out to keep it and then remembered whenever I do that I end up losing it and whatever I wanted to remember I don't. (Am I the only one that this happens to?) Anyway that is one reason I love pinterest, it saves me from losing stuff. So posting this here I am doing it for my benefit and maybe someone else will find it useful too.

Janurary:
Luggage - prices drop to get rid of what didn't sell during the holidays with the travel push.
Sports Equipment - prices are lower during the colder/off-season months
Exercise Equipment - take advantage of those who made healthy New Year's resolutions
Linens - it has been a traditional sale in January since 1878.
Furniture - new styles come in February so they need to make room

February:
TV's - good deals before Super Bowl Sunday
Cameras & Camcorders - Electronics trade shows happen in January so last year's models will be discounted for new products
Winter clothes - Spring and Summer approaching so now you can stock up for next year. (I do this especially with kids clothes).

March:
Grills - getting ready for spring and retailers want to unload last year's models.

April:
SAVE YOUR MONEY - retailers anticipate you getting a tax refund so many places will actually increase prices.

May:
Vacuums - New models come out in June, get rid of the older models

June:
Tools - prices drop in time for Father's Day

July:
Furniture - Second round of new styles come in August so the old inventory needs to go

August:
Summer Clothes - Fall and Winter around the corner so stock up on warm weather clothes for next season.
Computers - Retailers want to get in on the back to school action
Small Appliances - Microwaves and toasters want to see back to school action as well.

September:
Cars - Dealers are eager to move inventory for new models. Best selection will be now although prices may drop further towards the end of the year.
Outdoor Equipment - Stores are getting ready to sell snow blowers and leaf blowers so they will drop the prices of lawnmowers and patio furniture.

October:
Big Appliances - Next year's models are coming. You can also save more if you are okay with a little dent or scratch.

November:
TV's - Thanksgiving and football, enough said.

December:
Toys - It's actually a miracle they price this right when you are looking for it.

Stuff you can buy anytime during the year:
Homes - especially right now it is a buyer's market (I know a great Realtor if you need one!)
Cell Phones - new models come out all the time so there are often sales when there is a shift in stock
Mattresses - Always negotiate listed price, you can often talk your way into a better deal.